Irrelevant Rantings

George W. Bush...Profiles in Idiocy

2005-09-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

George W. Bush has never known hardship or suffering.

That isn't his fault, nor his parents. Every decent parent wants to make sure their children never grow up experiencing hardships. George and Barbara, in that aspect, did a tremendous job.

When one grows up however, reaching out to those in peril, or less fortunate than yourself, is an instinct that should be acheived.

In that aspect, he is fucking clueless.

To wait over 4 days to get help to those people in N'awlins is a crime. To stay on vacation while that was taking place is disgusting. To not have any national guard to help because FOUR OUT OF FIVE GUARDSMEN AND WOMEN ARE IN IRAQ is pathetic.

At least Halliburton got the clean-up gig, right?

Was he that hung up on trying to avoid Cindy Sheehan, who I belive he should have made 5 minutes for, instead of driving right by her to go to a Republican fundraiser. Sick.

Human response can make a situation better or worse. Bush could not have prevented the hurricane, though his ego probably says he could have. But he could have made things better, faster for those people. He just doesn't know how to do it. Ignorance cannot be excused. He sat there like an idiot when the planes hit, he sat on his ass when the hurricane flattened the delta.

Stone cold idiot.

Famous grave of the day: Philadelphia Eagle, money grubber in the name of God, and Green Bay Packer Reggie White:

http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=10176161&pt=Reggie%20White

Three more years, 3.50 a gallon. Way to go red states.

I'm Back...hopefully for more than a minute :)

2005-09-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

Hey all.

Wow it's been a while. Too long. Waaaaaay too much to cover in a posting or two.m Will try my best.

Had a birthday. It was a real yawn. Friends took me out and pretty much left me at a bar, giving me the option to follow them over to another bar or sit by myself. Ugh. Choices, choices.

Been working really hard, at times too hard. Having incredible pains come and go in my back and arms. I hope it's from the exercise. Hey at least I am insured now.

Enough about me, I'll talk more later....there has been some shit going down in the news that really grabs my attention, and of course pisses me off to no end.

They call me "Pretzel Boy"

2005-06-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Day one of my new job/career was a smashing success. I was welcomed warmly and trained very aptly. I really think this will work out well.

But damn am I tired.
And I do miss being online more often. I really have wanted to pay more attention to my blog, since I only started it earlier in the month. When I was paid not nearly as well.

With the new job, within a few weeks, I will be insured and can afford a new computer. Fast, lots of memory, quick downloads of Lindsay Lohan....well, I'm getting ahead of myself. And is she now anorexic or addicted to meth or coke? She's waaaay to thin....and she dyed her hair. Shame shame. Anyway, back to the topic at hand

Could use some cash in the meantime. Anyone want to rent my sofa, loveseat, futon, or fold out cot for sleeping off the live 8 show? You know where to find me.

I'm really excited about this job. I will sleep like a baby tonight. Will post soon. God Bless.

The verdict is....

2005-06-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

I"M IN!!!!!!!!!!

The call came in about 3:40, and the offer was made. Of course, having been awake since 9am and basically doing everything to distract myself, from video games to Grumpy Old Men, to ordering lunch, I was a little on edge. I did, however, refrain from yelling into the phone,"TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH".
Looks like I start next monday, which means I can enjoy the week off, clean my apartment, and celebrate. I really want to mount someone. Any takers? I got lots of booze and cinemax!!
To my family and friends, who listened to me gripe, complain, worry and sweat, and who told me to shut up and assured me everything will be fine...thank you. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Your support, love and friendship means more to me than words can justify.
I must acknowledge publicly that God played a big part in this as well. The job part, sure, but he gave me peace from the worrying this past weekend, peace last monday before the interview, and peace during the physical. He knows how I hate the phrase "turn your head and cough." In all seriousness, I am not the worlds most dilligent pray-er, but I asked for all these things, and to be unburdened, and it was done. Thank you as well :)

Celebrity grave of the day: the supermodel Gia, whose life story enabled the movie Gia to be made, which wnabled me to see Angelina Jolie naked as well. She is buried about 10 minutes away from my apartment, in the same cemetery my Uncle Bob is interred. Clcik on the link:

http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=5311&pt=Gia%20Carangi

Tunes of the day: Who's your daddy by Toby Keith and Hellagood by No Doubt

Staring Death in the face and not blinking

2005-06-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

I have read, and re-read, Dawn's tribute to her friend Tracy, who passed at a way too young age of 30, after battling cancer at 4 different points in her life. Good Lord. Click here for the story http://www.dawnpennington.com/2005/06/door-closes.html.
We don't really joke about it. Or talk much about it. Because none of us know what it's like.
Is it a blessing to know that you are dying (I mean of course in a given time period, a year, whatever) or a curse? To know you have something inside you eating you away, I think I would go mad. Some people have total grace and acceptance. Some fight to the bitter end. Some are ready to die right now, some never are.
The days go by pretty fast. Pretty soon you realize you aren't indestructible (something I get every time I ignore the voice in my head that says "you have had enough to drink".) What you have left is the experiences. From what I have read about her, Tracy lived every day of her 30 plus years.
Age is only a number. My Aunt Lynne has done more in her 42 years than most have in a 60 or 70 year span. She has been through it all: joy, sadness, love, heartbreak, marriage, divorce, great jobs, unemployment. The highs and lows, the yins and yangs of life. And she keeps on trucking along, keeps getting back up, dusting herself off. In that and other aspects of my life is why I use her as a role model.
You never know when that headache turns into a blood clot. Never know when that pain in your arm is a coronary. Never know when that nagging cough is something much worse. Do you start living when you're diagnosed, or today when you are presumably healthy and able bodied? I didn't know her at all, but I know what Tracy chose. I know what my Aunt has chosen.
It's that great mantra from "The Shawshank Redemption":

"Get busy living, or get busy dying."

Update, part one

2005-06-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hey gang, sorry about the lack of posts recently. I have had no access to a computer for the past few days. Here's an update of the situation.
I am waiting with baited breath by the phone for the job offer (knock on wood, nothing in the bank yet). The timing would be perfect, since on Thursday night last week, my (now former) boss sold the business. Everything went through Friday morning, and the new owners (who do seem very nice) will close shop for UP TO 2 WEEKS, leaving me on hiatus with no income, save for the last few months of commissions from my former boss. Keep your fingers crossed for me ( or pray, if so inclined) that the offer comes through, so I can take a week off, relax, and start this new job next Monday. As soon as I hear, you will also.

Mea Culpa

2005-06-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Well, looks I have nothing to worry about.
After calling my boss and asking what was up, she said nothing was final yet and verbally (and in writing) promised to pay any and all money owed to me, including leftover personal hours, and had already talked to the prospective buyers to give them a positive reference on me. (They don't know how serious my new job search is going)
I knew they were good people. I don't need to sweat this now, just look ahead to my physical and giving notice.

As a side note, I was saddened to hear of Anne Bancroft's passing. Many remember her from the Miracle Worker, for which she won an Oscar.

Me? I remember that incredibly sexy persona, bedroom eyes, and great legs, in "The Graduate". Dustin Hoffman was great, but Bancroft STOLE the show in that film. She was definitely one of my older woman fantasies (the ones all young boys have but unless Mrs. Letorneau was your teacher you were shit out of luck) growing up, and just seemed to shine in everything she did, including G.I.Jane and Agnes of God.

RIP, Mrs. Robinson.

Celebrity grave of the day: one of my favorite entertainers, "Mr.Perfect" Curt Hennig:

http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7175252&pt=Curt%20Hennig

Tunes of the day: "Eight easy steps" by Alanis Morissette and "Norwegian Wood" by the Beatles

Things that make you go hmmmmmmm......

2005-06-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

I opened the store early today, and in strolled my idiot district manager, holding a camera. He proceeds to tell me that the place has been sold to new owners. News to me, I said, to which he replied "you didn't hear that from me".
If that is indeed the case, I will be incredibly disappointed in my current bosses. They have been pretty upfront in the past, but as of late been tight lipped. On one hand you could make the argument that maybe they don't want to jinx it. On the other, why wouldn't they say it was a possibility?
I mean, if they just up and sell.....Am I out of a job? I'm already paid a sub-par rate and am uninsured. I don't need this extra shit. Thank God I may already have something lined up...But what if that falls through? I really didn't need this today. I'm supposed to be amped for the fact that I may have a new job. That being said, I need every dollar that I have coming to me. I have my son's birthday coming up. Hard to hand a 10 year old an I.O.U.
This will be fine. I have faith it will. Might go home and talk to Uncle Jack and Grandpa Beam tonight.

More to follow ,

Chris

Condoms... They're not just for smuggling cocaine

2005-06-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

I get so damn tired of these incompetent, uneducated, welfare mothers spitting out child after child, then not having the decency to take care of them. Click on the link below to read about My nominee for "Wednesday's Oxygen Thief"

http://www.nbc10.com/news/4581540/detail.html

Chris Rock said it best, "bitch stop fuckin'."

Why do we reward such irresponsible behavior with benefits and cash? I'm not coming down on teen mothers or anything, remember I was 20 when Austin was born. But we didn't keep "pounding out units" every year, hoping that the state would take care of them and cut us a check every month. We made a wonderful mistake, and learned from it, so that when Gwen came about, we were in a better position.

The only position this idiot seems to know is on all fours.

The 2nd to last step...maybe

2005-06-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

The interview today went very well, so much so that they scheduled the physical and drug test for Thursday.
And no, you smart asses, I don't need to study for it.
I'm looking forward to seeing this through. All signs have pointed to this being the right job. Profitable, fun, profitable. Seems like a winner to me.
I was pretty relaxed for it, unlike the last three. I woke up, hit the bank, got a doughnut and coffee, came home, shit showered and shaved, and played playstation till 10:40. Got dressed, (damn I look good in a suit) and wowed them. God is good, he kept me cool and collected the whole time.
Keep your fingers crossed gang, and thanks for all the support.

Celebrity Grave of the Day: The worlds most underrated guitarist, Duane Allman.

http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=1189&amp;pt=Duane%20Allman

Tunes of the day : Ain't wasting time no more by The Allman Brothers Band, and Love Street by the Doors

Phillies pride

2005-06-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Six wins in a row for my Fightin' Phils. Kind of exciting, considering just a week ago most were calling for Charlie Manuel's head. Now everything is hunky dorey, and they're going to take first place. Better turn on the game.

2nd inning, Arizona 7, Phillies 1.

I done spoke too soon. Such is the life of a Philadelphia Sports Fan.

How did I get so old?

2005-06-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

I ask that because of what happened yesterday on the way home from the mall.
I was riding with a friend of mine, she was driving, therefore I had control of the radio. I flipped on 95.7 "Ben-FM" one of these stations that proclaim to play anything they please. I tuned in, and thought the song sounded familiar. I started singing the chorus, and then discovered something to my horror:
It was "Shadows in the Moonlight" by Anne Murray. My mom used to, and probably still does, love the song, and I remember her and I singing it in the car. It was a nice trip down memory lane...Until I looked at the face of my friend, bemused and nauseated at the same time. "You know this song?" she asked, and I didn't deny it. She then called me "OLD MAN".
Am not, I replied confidently..Until I was able to sing , word for blasted word, the next two songs they played: "Come see about me" by the Supremes, and "You should hear how she talks about you" by Melissa Manchester. I looked over again, and I knew:

Damn, I'm old.

When your favorite bands are now featured on classic rock stations or back in the day hour on hip-hop stations, you know you're old. Or aging. It's a horrifying situation:

"Coming up next on oldies-98....U2"

My life is becoming a K-Tel record compilation. At least I know what my kids would say:

"What's a record, dad?"

I have to go. I have to hike my pants up to my nipples, and head to the early bird special.

Celebrity grave of the day: The Velvet Fog, Mel Torme, who died 6 years ago today. Loved ya in Night Court Mel.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=5612

Tunes of the day: My Generation by the Who, and You Needed Me by Anne Murray ( shut up)

You seen one woman naked...You want to see the rest of them naked

2005-06-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

Ever go to a mall, and leave with a sprained neck?
I went to cherry hill mall yesterday to price work shoes, and my head just kept swerving to left and right. And whoever decided to make skirt lengths the way they are today, I'd like to personally give that person a hug. Thank you.
Of course, I'd never let my daughter out of the house looking like that.
I know it's a double standard...But every dad has it. I'm no different.

My new Political Party

2005-06-04T02:11:00.000-07:00

The whole mess with the congress and the senate, with the filibustering and the nuclear options, have made me ill. Whatever happened to compromise? Whatever happened to give a little take a little? Maybe I'm being too idealistic, but shouldn't we meet somewhere in the middle on some of this crap?Bush didn't win by 60 million votes folks. He won by 3 million.
Since there is a lack of common ground, I have come to the conclusion that the Republican and Democratic parties have outlived their usefulness. Thus, I am starting my own political party. I'm calling it the "Common Sense Party". My slogan will be neither a donkey or elephant..Instead it will be the word DUH!!!
I proposes these beliefs as part of my party, incorporated through both Democratic and Republican policies, and some that take part in the middle.

1. Your license plate number will now coincide with your cell phone number, and should you drive like an idiot, we have the right to call you up and bitch you out.

2. Steps need to be taken to lower the cost of prescription medicines. Crack, heroin, and methamphetamine are now cheaper than insulin, AZT, and cancer medications per dose now.

3. Gasoline should be no more than 1.50 per gallon. EVER!!!I will be on my energy departments ass day in and day out to keep these prices low.

4.The Republicans(conservatives mostly) talk about giving more power to the states, and I happen to agree with that belief. Each state will now decide on its gay marriage, abortion, and death penalty issues.

5. The constitution is fine as it is and will be amended only in extreme circumstances.

6. English will be the only official declared language of The U.S. I appreciate most cultures and their beautiful languages. If I were to visit their countries, I would expect to learn their language. You must show some command of the language within 3 years of your arrival in the states as a prerequisite to becoming a citizen. Period.

7. Stem cell research will be deemed legal and be heavily funded, so that maybe, just maybe, not one of us has to watched a friend or loved one die of Parkinsons, ALS,Aids, Alzheimers, or cancer again.

8. I will begin taking steps to make a 4 day work week more of the norm. Having a work week of Tuesday-Friday, 10 hours per day, seems kind of cool to me.

I will come up with more. Please add your own as need be, or help with any suggestions.

New segment on the blog...Famous grave site of the day. Today I give you one of my comic heroes, Sam Kinison. Click on the following link:

http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=1282&pt=Sam%20Kinison

Morbid, but fun.

Peace

Tracks of the day: Bitches ain't shit by Ben Folds, and Handle with Care by the Traveling Wilburys

Interviewing, and hell on earth....

2005-06-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me know that I have been searching for the perfect job, for a while now. Unfortunately, there are no ice cream or whiskey factories being run by a topless Lindsay Lohan and/or Lucy Liu in the area that are looking for management candidates. So, I have focused on one company, and the sales position they have offered. I want this job, they seem to like me. I even had a tryout day. Seemed to go great.
Now they want one more interview.
I love the interview process, but including the open house, I have interviewed 3 (count em', 3)times with them, with the usual success (I believe I interview well). There's just so many levels of management I have to go through. And this is a sales job. My friend Nick is trying out for the police academy, and I'm not sure HE had to go through 3 going on 4 interviews. He had to complete 32 sit ups in 60 seconds, which is impressive, seeing I'm not so sure I could complete 32 sit ups in 60 minutes.
I'm confident I will get the job, with God's help. But good lord it's painful.
Almost as painful as pretending to be in love with someone, or trying hard to believe that you actually are.
I broke up with my long time girlfriend last week. Well, it was mutual, but in all honesty, I jumped at the opportunity once it presented itself. We may get back together at some point, but I really don't care one way or the other (guess that means we won't).
Don't get me wrong, she's a great human being and a genuinely good person. But the distance factor became a huge issue, not to mention the fact that her desire was for me to move away from not only my kids, but my surviving parent, great family, and friends that have been through hell and back with me, to move to mini-bumblefuck. Wasn't going to happen, but of course, when I would politely say,"hey, move to Philadelphia. I love this city, you'd love it too, and the pay here is better for teachers, plus rent is cheaper". Her area is about 45 minutes outside of Washington D.C. Nice place to visit, but you head indoors around 4pm. Plus, she ADMITTED she had a general disdain for the area she lives in, while I have stated, I LOVE Philadelphia, corrupt mayor, warts and all. Her subtle way of influencing me?
She went and enrolled in U of MD. Graduate school. My answer to that?
We went our separate ways.
And I'm not even sad about it. I don't even miss her.
Does that make me an asshole? I say no.
The in-limbo phase, or not knowing what the future beholds, is more painful than picking a direction and moving forward. Once you know where you're headed, you proceed. Much like contemplating getting divorced, or a job change, once you decide yay or nay, you move ahead. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I'm actually looking forward to what lies ahead......

My tunes of the day: Free Fallin' by Tom Petty, and Galileo by the Indigo Girls

Welcome to my nightmare

2005-06-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

Sure seems to me that blogging, and online ramblings, are the way to go to "express yourself creatively".
This is my stab at it, I welcome all comments and feedback. I really hope to have the opportunity to have frequent posts on the site, full of funny quotes, antedotes, stories, and more.
I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy posting.

God Bless, Chris